A Walk on the Tablelands

Alta Meadow in Spring. In the distance below is the top of Sugarbowl Dome, and beyond above that is Timber Gap leading to Mineral King. In 2000, I crossed that gap taking pictures all the way on my way to the Big and Little Five Lakes. A future issue of Sierra Trails will have that story and pictures. Sawtooth Peak is that pointy peak left of mid picture.

Alta Meadow in its Fall colors. Black Kaweah is the highest peak seen here. Below that peak you can make out Kaweah Gap where the High Sierra Trail crosses.

Alta Meadow and the Great Western Divide

Nearly at tree line now, anything above us had few if any trees, and what trees there were are confined to the southern, east and west edges of Alta Meadows, with treeless rock-garden expanses to the north. I could plainly see the route to Moose Lake to the east across the open garden meadows, and beyond to the Divide in all its granite swept glory. I now know why there was a trail to this spot.
We found an excellent camp at the west end of the meadows atop a small flat ridge just off the trail (although it was a bit of a hike to the nearest water), and the trail now tended to fade away in places.